Alzheimer's Disease Fast Facts

Here is a look at Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder that leads to loss of memory and other i...

Posted: Sep 3, 2018 6:58 PM

Updated: Sep 3, 2018 6:58 PM

Posted By: CNN Wire

Here is a look at Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder that leads to loss of memory and other intellectual abilities.

Facts:Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, which is a general term for the loss of memory and intellectual abilities.

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Alzheimer's disease is fatal and there is no cure. It is a slow-moving disease that starts with memory loss and ends with severe brain damage.

The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, the neuropathologist did an autopsy on the brain of a woman who died after exhibiting language problems, unpredictable behavior and memory loss. Dr. Alzheimer discovered the amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which are considered the hallmarks of the disease.

Contributing Factors:Age - The likelihood of developing Alzheimer's doubles every five years after the age of 65. For most people, symptoms first appear after the age of 60.

Family history- Genetics play a role in an individual's risk of developing the disease.

Head trauma- There is a possible link between the disease and repeated trauma or loss of consciousness.

Heart health- The risk of vascular dementia increases with heart conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

September 2014 - The research journal, Aging reports that in a small study at UCLA, nine out of the 10 patients involved, said their symptoms reversed after they participated in a rigorous program that included things like optimizing Vitamin D levels in the blood, using DHA supplements to bridge broken connections in the brain and strategic fasting to normalize insulin levels.